TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: PRIVACY / REGISTRY CLEANERS / IPHONE STUFF

In today's TOURBUS, you'll find out who is keeping tabs on what you search for online, and how to manage your online privacy. I've also got the scoop on Registry Cleaners, password protection for Windows files, and reviews of some nifty iPhone clones. Read on!

Online Privacy: I Know What You Searched For Last Summer

Is Google secretly keeping a log of everything that you search for, and every website you visit? What about other search engines, and your Internet service provider -- are they watching what you do online? If so, is there any way to delete your search history?

The correct answers are Maybe (sort of), Maybe, Don't Know, Yes, and Sometimes. Read on to learn more about your Google Web History, who can see it, and how to delete it. You'll also learn who may have access to EVERYTHING you do online, and how this data is (supposed to be) protected.

SEARCH PRIVACY - http://askbobrankin.com/search_privacy.html

Do You Need a Registry Cleaner?

A reader recently asked me this question about the Windows Registry:

> "My computer seems to get slower and slower. A friend told me I
> need a registry cleaner. Will that really help? If so, where can
> I get a good free registry cleaner to do the job?"

The Windows Registry is a hideously complex ball of string, rubber bands, duct tape and bailing wire that's supposed to keep track of Windows system settings, your hardware configuration, preferences, your installed software, and other arcane stuff.

And yes, problems with the Registry can (and often do) make a Windows system slower, less reliable, and even unbootable. That's why you need to use a registry cleaner every once in a while to keep your system running smoothly. Click below to read more about the Registry and you'll also get my top picks for cost-free and malware-free registry cleaners.

http://askbobrankin.com/do_i_need_a_registry_cleaner.html

And while we're on the subject of making Windows run faster, you should also check out my "Make Windows XP Run Faster!" article, where you'll find my special recipe for Cyber Sludge Remover, and loads of tips to rev up your Windows computer...

SPEED - http://askbobrankin.com/make_windows_xp_run_faster.html

Password Protection for Windows XP

Have you ever wanted to lock a file so nobody could open it without knowing a secret password? MS Office documents can be protected with a password, but what if the file is not a Word document or Excel spreadsheet?

Someone recently asked me this and I thought there must be a way to do it with Windows. I tried the Sharing and Security option, but ran into a dead end. After a bit of research, I found a few ways to get the job done, with varying levels of inconvenience. Here's the scoop:

http://askbobrankin.com/password_protection_for_windows_xp.html

iPhone Accesories

So you bought an iPhone, and six months later, you STILL don't have a girlfriend? Maybe you don't have all the right equipment. Try on some of these sexy iPhone accessories see what happens...

IPHONE STUFF - http://askbobrankin.com/iphone_accesories.html

Send in the Clones!

As expected, cell phone manufacturers are coming out with new models to compete with Apple's iPhone. I initially held off from buying an iPhone because of the high price and the hoopla, and now I'm glad I did. I recently got an LG Voyager and I'm loving it.

I'll say right off the bat that Voyager does have a touch screen, although it's not quite as cool as an iPhone. But it does have some cool features and unique advantages. Here's why I love my Voyager:

VOYAGER - http://askbobrankin.com/voyager_versus_iphone.html

The Samsung Instinct is another phone in the iClone category. This device got top ratings at the 2008 Cellular Telecomms Industry Association show, and I agree it looks pretty slick. But how does it compare to the venerable iPhone? Find out here:

INSTINCT - http://askbobrankin.com/samsung_instinct_review.html

That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin